Cartons

ABSTRACT

The invention relates both to a carton having a plurality of article receiving compartments therein and an extensible carrying handle as well as to a one-piece blank forming an interior divider assembly within the carton and the handle. The handle is formed from various panels and is detachably secured to the remainder of the assembly whilst the transverse partitions, forming part of the latter, have &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;tits&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; inhibiting contact between the lower portions of adjacent articles.

0 mted States Patent 1191 1111 3,825,171 Dewhurst July 23, 1974 [54] CARTONS 3,198,381 8/1965 Gioia 229/52 A [76] Inventor: Ernest James Dewhurst, 29 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Euphrasifl Terento, Ontario, 737,737 7/1966 Canada 220/105 Canada 22 il Aug. 15 1972 Primary Examiner-William I. Price Assistant Examiner-Douglas B. Farrow PP N01 2301896 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cushman, Darby &

Cushman [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 18, 1972 Canada 139948 ,[57] ABSTRACT The invention relates both to a carton having a plural- [52] U.S. Cl 229/52 A, 220/ 105, 229/28 BC ity of article receiving compartments therein and an [51] Int. Cl 865d 5/46 extensible ying han as w ll as to a one-piece [58] Field of S arch 229/52 A, 52 B; 220/ 104, blank forming an interior divider assembly within the 220/105 carton and the handle.,The handle is formed from various panels and is detachably secured to the remainder [56] References Cit d of the assembly whilst the transverse partitions, form- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing part of the latter, have tits inhibiting contact be- 3,070,258 12/1962 Engel 220/105 tween the lower pomons of adjacent amcles' 3,107,811 10/1963 Lemon 220/105 6 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJULZIBIBM SHEET 10F 9 FIG] PATENTEDJULZBIHH 3,895,171

SHEET 0F 9 I V 5 5 2 1/ g E I FIGG PATENTED JUL 2 3 I974 SHEET E OF 9 PATENTED JUL 2 3 I974 SHEET 8 OF 9 FIG [2 CARTONS This invention relates to cartons, and more particularly to the type of carton provided with an interior divider assembly defining partitions and an extensible carrying handle. Such cartons are well known and are generally formed from three separate blanks i.e.

a. that required for the outer shell of the carton,

b. that required for the divider assembly, and

c. that required for the handle member.

During converting operations, several distinct machine procedures are involved. First the blank, ultimately forming the handle member, is stampled out by a die-cutting machine and is then passed to a machine which glues and folds it. Secondly, the blank, ultimately forming the divider structure, is stamped out by a diecutting machine and then passes to a gluing machine where, during its path of travel, it is spot glued and the handle member married thereto, the divider blank thereafter being folded so as to contain the handle within it. Finally, the combined handle and divider element is married to the outer shell of the carton which is then folded and glued so that the finished product is a knocked-down carton.

Accordingly, it is one object of the invention to provide a one-piece blank capable of being folded so as to produce a divider element with a separable handle member, such a construction obviating at least one of the abovementioned die-cutting machines and at least one gluing machine.

Additionally, such a one-piece blank will ensure greater economies in material than when the handle member is formed from one blank and the divider structure formed from another.

Moreover, although it is known to form the handle members from a number of plies of material, such handles have not always proved too successful, because many of these have splitand cracked at various stresspoints. Accordingly, it is another object of the present invention to ensure that a multi-ply handle is provided which will have greater flexability.

A still further object is to provide means which will limit the amount of movement of the handle in either of its two directions of movement.

The invention is illustrated, by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a basic form of one-piece blank;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows the obverse side of the blank;

FIGS. 3-6 show different, but consecutive, stages in the folding of the blank;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the folded blank during uniting to the blank forming the carton shell;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but of a different form of one-piece blank;

FIG. 11 is a transverse section of an erected carton embodying-the type of blank shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 but with the handle in a lowered position; and

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 but showing the handle in an extended or carrying position.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, the one-piece blank is cut and scored so as to provide a pair of complementary primary panels 1 and 2 integrally and hingedly connected together along a common score line 3 having an elongated slot 4 therein. Each end of each primary panel 1, 2 is integrally and hingedly connected to an end tab 5 by means of a common score line 6. The primary panels I, 2 ultimately form a pair of longitudinal partitions within the carton.

The marginal side edge, remote from the slot 4, of the primary panel 2 is integral with and hinged to a pair of connecting panels 7, by means of a score line 8, a portion of which is incised as at 9.

The connecting panels 7 are. integrally and hingedly connected to to a first outer handle panel 10 along a weakened score line 11 a portion 12 of which is a normal score line. A pair of incisions 13, at right angles to the score line 12, connect the latter to the incision 9 whereby said incisions 9, 13 and the score line 12 define a mid-body reinforcing tab 14. Opposite ends of the first outer handle panel 10 are integrally and hingedly connected, through the intermediary of score lines 15 to end-body reinforcing tabs 16 each having an extension 17. The first outer handle panel 10 is also provided with a hand hole 18 and it is also integrally and hingedly connected by score line 19 to a first pair of inner reinforcing handle panels 20.

The first outer handle panel 10, through a common score line 21, is also integrally and hingedly connected to a second outer handlepanel 22 having a hand hole 23. The second outer handle panel 22, via scoreline 24, is also integrally and hingedly connected to a second pair of inner reinforcing panels 25 which are, in turn, integrally and hingedly connected to the first pair of inner panels 20 along a common score line 26. The second outer handle panel 22 also has a main body portion 27 provided with a pair of shoulders 28 and the first outer handle panel 10 is also provided with a similar main body portion 29 having shoulders 30.

It will be observed from FIGS. 1 and 2 that each of the handle inner panels 20, 25 is provided with a cutout 31 approximating in shape to at least part of the hand holes 18, 23. Moreover, slots 32,- 33 are provided in the score lines 26 the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. It will also be seen that the projecting tabs 17 complement cut-outs 34. Both sides of the onepiece blank are spot-gluedat selected areas indicated by the stipled portions.

In folding the one piece blank so as to provide the divider element and a separable and extensible handle member, the inner reinforcement handle panels 20, 25 are folded about their respective score lines 19, 24 so that they overlie the outer handle panels 10, 22 as is shown in FIG. 3. Similarly, the body reinforcing tabs 14, 16 are folded along their associated score lines 12, 15 so that these tabs also overlie the main body portion 29 of the first outer handle panel 10. It will be observed that in this position, the extensions 17 will reinforce very critical areas of the handle, said areas being indicated by arrows Y.

The second outer handle panel 22 and its pair of inner panels 25 is then folded along the superposed score lines 21, 26 so that they will overlie the first outer handle panel II) and its pair of inner panels 20 as shown in FIG. 4. In this position, of course, the main body portion 27 of the'first outer handle panel 22 will overlie the reinforcing tabs 14, 16.

Thereafter the blank is folded along the score line 8, as is shown in FIG. 5, and then along the score line 3 so that the resultant assembly will assume the'position shown in FIG. 6. Pressure is then applied to the assembly to bring about adhesion between components, said pressure being sufficient to bring about separation of the handle member, along the weakened score line 11, from the remainder of the blank.

The combined partition and handle assembly A is then positioned on the blank B forming the outer shell of the carton as is shown in FIG. 7, and certain panels of said carton shell are then folded so as to produce a knocked-down carton shown in FIG. 8.

When such a knocked-down carton is erected for filling purposes, a pair of article receiving compartments will be formed, said compartments being separated from one another by means of the pair of longitudinal partitions formed by the primary panels 1, 2 with the handle located therebetween, a portion of the latter projecting from the elongated slot 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, these depict another form of one-piece blank. Insofar as possible, like reference have been used for the blanks shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as well as 9 and 10. As will be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, the second form of blank has similar panels adapted to form the carrying handle, its reinforcing panels and the connecting panels.

The second form of one-piece blank differs from the first form only insofar as the primary panels 1, 2 are concerned. For instance, it will be observed that a tab 5' is provided adjacent one end of each primary panel and remote from tab 5.

Moreover, each of the primary panels 1, 2 of the second form of the invention is scored and incised to provide a plurality of sub-panels 40 each integrally and hingedly connected to the associated primary panel along a score line 41. Each of the sub-panels 40 is also integrally and hingedly connected, by means of the score line 41, to an end tab 43.

One side of certain of the sub-panels 40 is provided with a tit 44, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

It will be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10 that the blank is provided with glued areas as was the case in FIGS. 1 and 2 and, additionally, one face of each of the end tabs 43 is also coated with glue.

The folding of the blank shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and its marriage to the carton shell blank is the same as that described above and illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring now to FIG. 11 it will again be seen that each of the primary panels 1, 2 extends along the central longitudinal axis of the carton to form a longitudinal partition whereas each of the sub-panels 40 extend normal to the said longitudinal partition and the adjacent side wall of the carton to define a transverse partition. It will also be seen from FIG. 11 that the tits 44 form part of, and depend from, the lower edge of each transverse partition. Moreover, each tit is located adjacent the bottom of the carton. The purpose of the tits 44 therefore, is to prevent contact between the bottoms of a pair of adjacent articles in the same row when the carton is carried.

From the above description therefore, it will be apeach connecting panel 7 located between the pair of longitudinal partitions.

Although the cartons described above and illustrated in the drawings relate to an enclosed type of carton i.e. provided with top end and side closure flaps, it will be obvious that the invention is equally applicable to open-topped cartons or other types of cartons including skeletal cartons.

I claim:

1. A one-piece blank adapted to form an interior assembly, defining rows of adjacent article receiving compartments within a carton, and an extensible handle member;

said blank being cut and scored to provide a pair of complementary primary panels integrally and hingedly connected together with an elongated slot therebetween and which panels subsequently form a pair of longitudinal partitions having a common upper edge, within the carton;

a pair of connecting panels integral with, and hinged to, a marginal side edge of a selected one of said primary panels; and

a primary handle panel detachably secured to the connecting panels;

a secondary handle panel parallel with said marginal side edge and integrally and hingedly connected to said primary handle panel along a common scoreline; and

reinforcement panels integrally and hingedly connected to said handle panels whereby the latter and said reinforcement panels upon folding of the blank, form a handle which, together with said connecting panels, is located between said primary panels with said reinforcement panels located between said handle panels; and

said handle, upon detachment from the connecting panels, being movable between the longitudinal partitions and having a first portion projecting through the slot where it can be grasped for carrying purposes;

the amount of upward movement of the handle being limited by a second portion of said handle, of greater dimension than said first portion, contacting the underside of said common upper edge and the amount of downward movement of the handle being limited by contact of said second portion of the handle with the connecting panels.

2. A blank according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of interconnected panels includes:

a pair of outer handle panels each having a hand hole and a main body portion;

a pair of end reinforcing tabs and a mid-body reinforcing tab each integrally and hingedly connected to a selected said main body portion; and

a pair of inner reinforcing handle panels each of which is integrally and hingedly connected to an associated end of each handle panel adjacent the hand hole of the latter;

said tabs and reinforcing panels being located between the pair of outer handle panels when the blank is folded and serving to reinforce certain areas of the handle;

said selected main body portion being detachably secured to said connecting panels.

3. A blank according to claim 2 wherein each primary panel is cut and scored to provide a plurality of sub-panels each integrally and hingedly connected thereto and to an end tab; the sub-panels. serving as a plurality of transverse partitions withinthe carton extending between the longitudinal partitions and an adjacent side wall of the carton; the lower edge of certain of the transverse partitions having a depending projection inhibiting contact between the lower portion of an article in one compartment of one row thereof and the lower portion of an article in an adjacent compartment of the same row.

4. A carton having a wall structure including end walls, side walls and a bottom, and an interior assembly within the carton;

said interior assembly having first portions fixed to the wall structure to define a pair of partitions, having a common upper edge and a slot therein, dividing the interior of the carton into at least a pair of adjacent article receiving compartments, and a pair of second portions integrally and hingedly connected together defining primary and secondary panels having reinforcement panels integrally and hingedly connected thereto and located between said primary and secondary panels, all of said panels defining a carrying handle with said primary panel being detachably secured to a selected one of the first portions by a pair of connecting panels, which are, in turn, integrally and hingedly secured to said selected first portion, both said connecting panels and the handle being located between the partitions, the handle being extensible for carrying purposes and having a first portion capable of projection through said slot with the amount of upward movement of the handle being limited by a second portion of said handle, of greater dimension than the carrying portion, contacting the underside of the common upper edge and the amount of downward movement of the handle being limited by contact of said second portion of the handle with the connecting panels.

5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the second portions include:

a pair of outer handle panels each having a hand hole and a main body portion;

a pair of end reinforcing tabs and a mid-body reinforcing tab each integrally and hingedly connected to a selected said main body portion; and

a pair of inner reinforcing handle panels each of which is integrally and hingedly connected to an associated end of each handle panel adjacent the hande hole of the latter;

said tabs and reinforcing panels being located between the pair of outer handle panels and serving to reinforce certain areas of the handle;

said selected main body portion being detachably secured to said connecting panels.

6. A carton according to claim 5 wherein each primary panel is cut and scored to provide a plurality of sub-panels each integrally and hingedly connected thereto and to an end tab; the sub-panels serving as a plurality of transverse partitions within the carton extending between the longitudinal partions and an adjacent side wall of the carton; the lower edge of certain of the transverse partitions having a depending projecof the same row. 

1. A one-piece blank adapted to form an interior assembly, defining rows of adjacent article receiving compartments within a carton, and an extensible handle member; said blank being cut and scored to provide a pair of complementary primary panels integrally and hingedly connected together with an elongated slot therebetween and which panels subsequently form a pair of longitudinal partitions having a common upper edge, within the carton; a pair of connecting panels integral with, and hinged to, a marginal side edge of a selected one of said primary panels; and a primary handle panel detachably secured to the connecting panels; a secondary handle panel parallel with said marginal side edge and integrally and hingedly connected to said primary handle panel along a common score-line; and reinforcement panels integrally and hingedly connected to said handle panels whereby the latter and said reinforcement panels upon folding of the blank, form a handle which, together with said connecting panels, is located between said primary panels with said reinforcement panels located between said handle panels; and said handle, upon detachment from the connecting panels, being movable between the longitudinal partitions and having a first portion projecting through the slot where it can be grasped for carrying purposes; the amount of upward movement of the handle being limited by a second portion of said handle, of greater dimension than said first portion, contacting the underside of said common upper edge and the amount of downward movement of the handle being limited by contact of said second portion of the handle with the connecting panels.
 2. A blank according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of interconnected panels includes: a pair of outer handle panels each having a hand hole and a main body portion; a pair of end reinforcing tabs and a mid-body reinforcing tab each integrally and hingedly connected to a selected said main body portion; and a pair of inner reinforcing handle panels each of which is integrally and hingedly connected to an associated end of each handle panel adjacent the hand hole of the latter; said tabs and reinforcing panels being located between the pair of outer handle panels when the blank is folded and serving to reinforce certain areas of the handle; said selected main body portion being detachably secured to said connecting panels.
 3. A blank according to claim 2 wherein each primary panel is cut and scored to provide a plurality of sub-panels each integrally and hingedly connected thereto and to an end tab; the sub-panels serving as a plurality of transverse partitions within the carton extending between the longitudinal partitions and an adjacent side wall of the carton; the lower edge of certain of the transverse partitions having a depending projection inhibiting contact between the lower portion of an article in one compartment of one row thereof and the lower portion of an article in an adjacent compartment of the same row.
 4. A carton having a wall structure including end walls, side walls and a bottom, and an interior assembly within the carton; said interior assembly having first portions fixed to the wall structure to define a pair of partitions, having a common upper edge and a slot therein, dividing the interior of the carton into at least a pair of adjacent article receiving compartments, and a pair of second portions integrally and hingedly connected together defining primary and secondary panels having reinforcement panels integrally and hingedly connected thereto and located between said primary and secondary panels, all of said panels defining a carrying handle with said primary panel being detachably secured to a selected one of the first portions by a pair of connecting panels, which are, in turn, integrally and hingedly secured to said selected first portion, both said connecting panels and the handle being located between the partitions, the handle being extensible for carrying purposes and having a first portion capable of projection through said slot with the amount of upward movement of the handle being limited by a second portion of said handle, of greater dimension than the carrying portion, contacting the underside of the common upper edge and the amount of downward movement of the handle being limited by contact of said second portion of the handle with the connecting panels.
 5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the secoNd portions include: a pair of outer handle panels each having a hand hole and a main body portion; a pair of end reinforcing tabs and a mid-body reinforcing tab each integrally and hingedly connected to a selected said main body portion; and a pair of inner reinforcing handle panels each of which is integrally and hingedly connected to an associated end of each handle panel adjacent the hande hole of the latter; said tabs and reinforcing panels being located between the pair of outer handle panels and serving to reinforce certain areas of the handle; said selected main body portion being detachably secured to said connecting panels.
 6. A carton according to claim 5 wherein each primary panel is cut and scored to provide a plurality of sub-panels each integrally and hingedly connected thereto and to an end tab; the sub-panels serving as a plurality of transverse partitions within the carton extending between the longitudinal partions and an adjacent side wall of the carton; the lower edge of certain of the transverse partitions having a depending projection inhibiting contact between the lower portion of an article in one compartment of one row thereof and the lower portion of an article in an adjacent compartment of the same row. 